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A.J. Brown Speaks Out on Athlete Mental Health

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 14:49 GMT by People
      Locales: California, Texas, UNITED STATES

Nashville, TN - February 24th, 2026 - Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown's recent social media response to news of Purdue receiver Rondale Moore's temporary absence from the gridiron has ignited a renewed and vital discussion about mental health within the demanding worlds of college and professional athletics. Moore, just 20 years old, was absent from Purdue's game against Minnesota due to unspecified "personal matters," as revealed by his father to ESPN. Brown, 26, responded with a deeply personal and empathetic message, resonating with many who have faced their own internal battles.

Brown's tweet, "I remember feeling like I was alone. Didn't want nobody to know what was going on in my head. Proud of Rondale for speaking up. It's okay to not be okay. Seek help. You are not alone," quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of support and shared experiences. He followed it up with a starkly honest assessment of the struggle: "I've been there, man. It's tough. It's hard. But you gotta deal with it. Get help. Don't let it fester. It'll eat you alive."

This isn't the first time Brown has publicly addressed the importance of mental wellbeing. In 2021, he bravely shared his own experiences with depression during an offseason period, explaining that he felt overwhelmingly low and disconnected. He emphasized the transformative power of seeking professional help, stating, "There's nothing wrong with talking to someone. It's okay to be not okay. Don't be afraid to reach out." His willingness to be vulnerable then has clearly established him as a leading voice for mental health awareness amongst athletes.

While the specifics of Moore's situation remain private - his father, Kevin Moore, has requested respect for his son's privacy during this challenging time - the incident highlights a growing, yet often hidden, crisis in athletics. The pressures on young athletes are immense, extending far beyond the physical demands of the sport. Constant scrutiny, performance expectations, the weight of scholarship responsibilities (in college), the looming prospect of professional careers, and the often-isolating nature of intense training can create a perfect storm for mental health issues. The expectation of perpetual strength and resilience - the "tough guy" image often cultivated in football culture - can further discourage athletes from seeking help, fearing it will be perceived as weakness.

The conversation surrounding athlete mental health has evolved significantly in recent years, partially fueled by prominent athletes like Brown, and NBA stars Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan, openly sharing their struggles. However, systemic change is still needed. Universities and professional teams are increasingly offering mental health resources to their athletes, including access to therapists and counselors. However, access is not always enough. The stigma surrounding mental health must be actively dismantled, and a culture of support and understanding needs to be fostered within teams and athletic programs.

Experts suggest several key areas for improvement: normalized mental health check-ins during routine physicals, mandatory mental health education for coaches and staff to help them recognize and respond to athletes in distress, and increased funding for mental health services specifically tailored to the unique needs of athletes. Furthermore, the constant media cycle and the relentless demands of social media contribute to the pressure athletes face, often blurring the lines between personal life and public persona.

The situation with Rondale Moore serves as a potent reminder that athletes are, first and foremost, young people navigating complex emotions and challenges. A.J. Brown's message, born from his own experience, underscores the critical importance of fostering a supportive environment where athletes feel safe enough to speak up, seek help, and prioritize their mental wellbeing. The fact that a star NFL player feels compelled to offer this support speaks volumes about the hidden struggles many face and the urgent need for continued dialogue and action.